When it comes to Japanese izakayas in Taipa, many people's first reaction is to think of the Japanese restaurants in those upscale resorts along the Cotai Strip. It's true that those establishments with an average spend of MOP$400-500 per person do exist, but what I want to discuss today is the alternative hiding in the alleyways of the old town area—authentic local spots that are actually frequented by residents and offer relatively affordable prices.
Taipa has undergone significant changes in recent years. Rua do Cunha remains the favorite among tourists, but many small Japanese restaurants have quietly opened in the alleyways. These establishments often have low-key storefronts, with some having only five or six tables, yet thanks to fresh ingredients and reasonable prices, they've become local favorites.
When it comes to standout features, the biggest advantage of Taipa's Japanese izakayas is their "value for money." Compared to similar restaurants on the Macau Peninsula, rental costs here are relatively lower, which translates to menu prices—sashimi and yakitori of equivalent quality cost roughly half of what you'd pay on the Cotai Strip. Another interesting phenomenon is that many store owners themselves are Japanese cuisine chefs who previously worked at star-rated hotels before starting their own businesses, bringing the possibility of "star-rated quality, affordable prices."
For recommendations, the first one has to be "Sushi Ten"—this izakaya hidden in the old town alley has such a small storefront that you might almost miss it, but the chef previously worked at a Japanese restaurant department of a well-known Macau resort for eight years. The vinegar rice for the nigiri is perfectly balanced, and the sashimi slices are cut generously thick. Their most recommended item is the "Sea Urchin Gunkan," made with Hokkaido uni (sea urchin), priced at MOP$68 per serving—elsewhere in Macau, this could cost double. They're open from 6 PM to 11 PM, closed on Wednesdays.
The second recommendation is "Kushi Yatsu," specializing in Japanese yakitori. Their chicken skin skewers and beef tongue skewers are of excellent quality. The chicken skin is烤得外脆內油脂均勻 (grilled crispy on the outside with evenly distributed fat inside), at MOP$12 per skewer; the beef tongue is cut thick, springy but not tough, at MOP$28 per skewer. Their sake selection is also quite impressive—with entry-level Dassai available for under MOP$180. Located on a side street near Rua do Cunha, about a five-minute walk from the St. Dominic's Church area. Dinner service only, and it's busier on weekends, so reservations are recommended.
The third recommendation is the more distinctive "Sakaba"—this establishment's positioning is more like a Japanese family's "shokudo" (eatery), offering a wide range of dishes from ramen to set meals. Their "Tonkotsu Ramen" has a broth with balanced richness—not too salty—and the chashu meat is generously portioned, at MOP$58 per bowl, with additional toppings costing approximately MOP$10-15. If you want to fill up without spending much, this is the top choice. They operate for longer hours, from 11 AM to midnight, making it suitable for late-night cravings.
The fourth recommendation is "Japanese Style小酒館," which has recently become popular among young people—specializing in creative Japanese cuisine with Macau-inspired elements such as "Portuguese Mentaiko" or "Chenpi Umeshu." The atmosphere here is more youthful, and the music selection is more diverse. If you want to experience an izakaya "that's not in Tokyo" but with an atmosphere on par with Japan, this is worth trying. Average spending is approximately MOP$150-250, placing it in the mid-range category.
The final recommendation has to be "Umigai"—specializing in seafood, with their signature dishes being "Live Scallop" and "Winter Yellowtail Sashimi." The live scallops are air-freshened from Japan, opened by the chef right in front of you, and the freshness is truly incomparable, at MOP$98 per serving. Winter yellowtail is the seasonal fish for winter, with evenly distributed fat in the flesh and a rich, supple texture. This restaurant is suitable for when you want to treat yourself to something nicer, with a slightly more formal atmosphere.
For practical information, the most convenient way to get to Taipa from the Macau Peninsula is by bus. Routes 11, 15, and 22 can all get you there, with a journey of approximately 20-30 minutes and a fare of MOP$6. If coming from the Cotai Strip, walking or taking a taxi are both viable options—taxi fare is approximately MOP$30-40.
In terms of costs, the average spending at the above-mentioned restaurants is approximately as follows: Sushi Ten MOP$200-300, Kushi Yatsu MOP$100-150, Sakaba MOP$60-100, Japanese Style Pub MOP$150-250, Umigai MOP$250-400. For Japanese cuisine in Macau, this price range is considered mid-range to upper, but the ingredient quality and dining experience far exceed the price tag.
Travel tip: Most izakayas in Taipa's old town area only open in the evening, with many shops resting during the day. If you want to visit several in one go, it's recommended to start by exploring the St. Dominic's Church area in the evening for photos, then enjoy a crab congee dinner at Rua do Cunha, and finally begin your izakaya crawl—this itinerary is rich without being too rushed. Additionally, competition among Japanese restaurants in Macau has intensified in recent years, with many establishments offering "limited-time dishes" or seasonal menus to attract customers, so it's worth checking social media for updates before your visit.
One final reminder: Restaurant operating hours in Macau are subject to change, especially small izakayas that may temporarily close or adjust their hours. It's recommended to call ahead before heading out to confirm, to avoid a wasted trip. Wish you an enjoyable Japanese cuisine exploration journey in Taipa!
